The Urban Air Quality Assessment Model (UAQAM) calculates the city
concentration caused by city emissions themselves, the so-called city
background concentration. Three versions of the model for describing the
dispersion were studied: Box, Gifford Hanna (GH) and a combined form of
these two (the Box-GH model). Regional background emissions contributing
to the city background concentration were accounted for using
measurements and TREND model calculations. The UAQAM model versions were
compared to measurements of SO2 and NOX concentrations. The Box-GH and
GH models were found to be more appropriate in describing the city
background concentration. The Box-GH model, showing slightly better
results compared to the GH model, can be taken as a starting point for
the assessment of urban air quality with UAQAM.

The Urban Air Quality Assessment Model (UAQAM) calculates the city
concentration caused by city emissions themselves, the so-called city
background concentration. Three versions of the model for describing the
dispersion were studied: Box, Gifford Hanna (GH) and a combined form of
these two (the Box-GH model). Regional background emissions contributing
to the city background concentration were accounted for using
measurements and TREND model calculations. The UAQAM model versions were
compared to measurements of SO2 and NOX concentrations. The Box-GH and
GH models were found to be more appropriate in describing the city
background concentration. The Box-GH model, showing slightly better
results compared to the GH model, can be taken as a starting point for
the assessment of urban air quality with UAQAM.